YouTube plans a 24-hour GTA 6 launch stream with 30 creators

Streaming platforms want a share of the GTA 6 launch. YouTube plans a 24-hour livestream from midnight EST on November 19, and Kick is offering 10,000 free copies of the game.

YouTube's case for the event

In a blog post, YouTube said Grand Theft Auto content has already drawn over 900 billion views. For videos about GTA 6 alone, it estimates more than 40 billion views before release.

Around 30 creators will explore the Leonida map for the first time on the stream. The expected names are Jake Baldino, Cinna, Jelly, Rivers, Caylus and Zhong.

Pre-show and timing

The RDCWorld collective hosts a pre-show at 11 PM EST. It mixes gameplay with live reports from Miami, the site of a big marketing push for the game.

The stream is not the first look for everyone. Players in New Zealand with preloads can start at midnight local time, which is 6 AM EST on November 18. In Europe, Germany included, some players get a 6-hour head start on the show.

Kick's giveaway

Kick, a YouTube competitor, also wants to use the launch. It is handing out 10,000 digital copies of the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition to supporters. Viewers with an account who sit through 3 hours of livestreams or more get a chance to win.

What streamers look for next

Many broadcasters care more about a GTA Online follow-up. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy hinted at a 2027 date for an online mode.

If the GTA 5 pattern repeats, role-playing content may be the most popular. A Hatchet study found that over half of 2026 views went to that style of multiplayer play.

The single-player game could occupy fans for a long stretch, and its Vice City map is much bigger than that of the previous Grand Theft Auto.

Rockstar North's Rob Nelson said he needed roughly 80 hours for the Jason and Lucia campaign and its optional objectives.

Source: Notebookcheck